FCC eases restriction on media ownership

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Thursday passed a rule that would allow media companies to purchase more local stations around the country.

The commission voted 2-1 to reinstate the ultra-high frequency, or UHF, discount, which makes certain television outlets count less toward the limit on the number of households major broadcasters can serve.

{mosads}Last year, the Democratic-controlled FCC under the Obama administration voted to do away with the discount, arguing that it was outdated in the digital age.

Current FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, a Republican, conceded that the discount may no longer be practical, but argued that the discount should remain in place until the agency reconsiders the 39 percent cap on broadcasters’ reach.

The FCC is planning to consider raising that limit later this year.